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Lake Erie Charter Captain Dave Adams of D & D Charters answers questions and provides tips and insights into fishing the region.
If you would like to Ask the Captain a question, please click HERE.
March 26, 2001
Mudcat Asks:
Dave -
When is a good time to fish for perch in the Presque Isle Bay? What methods would you use?
Captain Dave's Response:
Mudcat,
Other than exceptional ice fishing in the winter, Presque Isle Bay is not known for its perch fishing. "During the spring, the bay serves primarily as a nursery water," says Gary from Poor Richard's. "After spawning and once the bay warms up, the bigger perch will follow the shiners out of the bay and into the lake."
According to Gary, good perch fishing can be found in the lake beginning in June, with the best action during the late summer. Also, the population appears to be the highest in 20 years. "The '96 hatch was excellent and the perch numbers are on the upswing," he said.
If you want to target perch, try off the lighthouse at the point. Concentrate in the 50-55 foot depths. Anchor and use shiners. A crappie or spreader rig works well, and keep the minnows 1-foot from the bottom. Perch anglers will find that action is best at first light or during the evening. In addition, use your sonar to locate schools.
"Although 95 percent of my business is walleye and steelhead, perch fishing is my favorite," says Gary. "August, September, and October are the best perch months. The fish are schooled up and feeding heavily."
It's amazing, the fishing opportunities available to Pennsylvania anglers. From bass and steelhead to walleye or perch - the decision on what to fish for can be hard. All things taken into consideration, I think anchoring and catching some perch for dinner sounds fun.
Michael Asks:
Dave -
I was wondering how much mono to leave on the reel (for a backing) and how much synthetic should go on over mono. My reels are okuma 30dx's.
Captain Dave's Response:
Mike,
The question of line backing can best be answered by this scenario. Imagine that it is 10 in the morning and, as we know, sometimes the fish will hit only one particular pole. Soon after catching a nice 'eye, you (or someone else) inadvertently pulls line from the spool (while it is in free spool). Oops, a big bird's nest. The only way to clear the line is to grab a knife and start cutting. Well, before you know it, off comes 125 yards. Now, since we didn't use any backing, we still have 175 yards to fish with.
The number one rule I follow is: Fill the spool completely with whatever line I'm going to use. I would rather spend a few extra dollars on line, than put a good pole out of commission.
By the way, the rule for leader length when using dipsys: The leader should be 2 feet shorter than the pole you are using. I prefer a 9 1/2 foot dipsy rod.
Good Fishing,
Capt. Dave Adams
Dave Adams is an author and professional charter captain who operates D & D Charters on the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie.
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